Arrau on Music and Performance (Dover Books on Music) [Paperback]

Joseph Horowitz (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Books on Music | Publication Date: March 17, 2011

Acclaimed by New York Magazine as "a fascinating and valuable book," this subtle portrait depicts one of the world's great concert artists. In addition to conversations with Claudio Arrau, it features discussions with four of his renowned musical colleagues: Philip Lorenz, Daniel Barenboim, Garrick Ohlsson, and Sir Colin Davis. 21 photos.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (March 17, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486408469
• ISBN-13: 978-0486408460
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #409,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Arrau on Music and Performance a winner!, May 10, 2001

By 

David K. Lee (Boise, ID USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arrau on Music and Performance (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

Claudio Arrau was a great child prodigy, and later had a long career as a performing pianist. This book deals in a sensitive way with both the man and his music. I found Arrau, the person, a compelling individual whose virtuosity was both a gift and a challenge. Joseph Horowitz does a superb job of blending narrative with question and answer sessions with Arrau himself. I EXPECTED a nice biography, and I got that. Beyond that, I got numerous invaluable tips as a pianist about playing individual composers and technique.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the greatest books about one of the greatest pianists, May 23, 2001

By 

John Grabowski (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arrau on Music and Performance (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

This is a great book. (Note: It was previously available under the title "Conversations With Arrau.") It does not shoot over the heads of the average reader, but it doesn't dumb down its subject either. Horowitz spoke for hours upon hours with the great Claudio Arrau. What emerges is the portrait of a man devoid of irony or pretense. The biographical part is fascinating--we learn what living in Berlin during the 1920s was like, for example, and while it was harsh, it was also deeply spiritual and enriching for artistic types. The sections on interpretation are interesting conversations that I wish more authors would have with more artists. Next comes a chapter where Arrau speaks openly about psychoanalysis. Then there are sections where colleagues and friends talk about Arrau, revealing their insights of his character. (Colin Davis is particularly devoted.) Finally the author gives us a complete discography and discussion of selected recordings. A must-own for piano or Arrau fans, although I understand this latest version of the book inexplicably skips the discography. Look for a used copy under the previous title instead.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Arrau is God, November 13, 2005

By 

illuminatus - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arrau on Music and Performance (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

This book is amazing. Arrau is my favorite pianist, but even for those who aren't yet converts this book is still fascinating for allowing us glimpses into a towering, fantastic musical mind, and his deep and well thought-out ideas on musical interpretation and piano technique. Indispensible.